Assyrian Priests and Urmia Churches Visit Hussaini Camps
Assyrian priests and the three churches of Urmia visited the camps of Sunni Muslims and Christians, Armenians and Assyrians at the “Tamarchin Piranshahr” border.
The “Tamarchin Piranshahr” border was recognized as an official land border in 2007 and for the first time in 2022, the opportunity was provided for Arbaeen pilgrims to cross through this border, registering approximately 70,000 crossings during that period. This border also plays a significant role in the economy of the Piranshahr region.
According to REDNA, a group of Assyrian priests and clergy from the three churches of Urmia, the Deputy for Political and Social Affairs of the West Azerbaijan Governor and officials of Piranshahr County visited the Sunni Muslims’ camp. They first visited the camp of Christians, Armenians and Assyrians.
During the visit, the Primate of Armenians of West Azerbaijan, Father Dariavosh Azizian, head of the Eastern Church of Urmia, Charly Anwiye, representative of Assyrians in the Islamic Consultative Assembly, and Armenian and Assyrian clergy were present. They also visited the Sunni Muslims’ camp which was established by Piranshahr benefactors.
Father “Dariavosh Azizian” said about being present in this gathering: “Arbaeen pilgrims become tired on their way to visit Karbala, and this camp has been established to feed and provide rest for these dear people.”
“Charly Anwiye”, representative of Christians and Assyrians in the Islamic Consultative Assembly, also said: “West Azerbaijan is a rainbow province of religions and ethnicities, and we also live alongside other compatriots with compassion and consider it our duty to be present in all fields. Since the Islamic Revolution, the imposed war, and the corona outbreak, the Christian community has been present in events, and during the corona period, Christian doctors and nurses, like others, were present in treating patients regardless of religion and sect. Today, by establishing this camp, which is a duty, we have tried to participate in this charitable act as well.”
The head of the Eastern Church of Urmia also expressed: “There are numerous verses in the Holy Book regarding respect for neighbors and participating in others’ sorrows and joys, and in this regard, for the third consecutive year, the Christian, Armenian and Assyrian camp has been established on the Tamarchin route.”
The reception of Christian, Armenian and Assyrian priests with local bread “Klanya” and local soup “Doklivo”, as well as nomadic tents for the special Sunni Muslims’ camp, were among the highlights of this visit that received considerable praise.
